Participation in the Life of Society

Bahá'u'lláh urges His followers, saying: “Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and centre your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.”

In response to this call, Bahá'ís around the world strive, individually and collectively, to participate in the life of their communities and to work alongside diverse groups in contributing to the advancement of the material and spiritual civilization of humanity.

This section explores two complementary areas of endeavour. The first is social action, encompassing a range of activities carried out largely at the grassroots level and directed towards the material and social well-being of the wider community. The second consists of efforts closely related to the intellectual well-being of society, through the contributions of Bahá'ís to the prevailing discourses of their communities. At the individual level, these efforts generally involve sharing insights inspired by the Bahá'í teachings in a variety of social spaces. At the national level, the National Spiritual Assemblies coordinate the efforts of Bahá'ís to contribute to discourses concerned with various aspects of social development. At the international level, the Bahá'í International Community participates through a range of global networks concerned with issues such as the equality of women and men and sustainable development.